KBR Park turns into bibliophile haven

HYDERABAD: The city finally got its own 'Hyderabad Reads' version, at the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) national park in Jubilee Hills on Saturday.

From 4.30 pm to 7 pm, bibliophiles arrive at the park with their favourite book and read in the calm, surrounded by nature. One doesn't need to pay any entry fee or registration. “Just show up with a mat and a book,” the reading community says.

The first edition that was launched on Saturday saw a close to 50 people across all age groups walk in, settle down and quietly flip through, or swipe, the pages of their book, accompanied by the occasional cuppa.

The Hyderabad version is the latest to join what started in Bengaluru as Cubbon Reads. Similar initiatives have started at the Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi as 'Lodhi Reads', 'Noida Reads,' 'Pune Reads', 'Kolkata Reads', Reagent Reads', and more. A 'Vizag Reads' will begin soon on June 18 at the VUDA City Central Park on Sundays, 9-11 am.

"Our mission is to make reading a public affair in this city of culture and normalise reading outdoors in Hyderabad," explained the organisers who stress on not being one individual but a community of people.

Readers got an occasional view of the peacocks that sauntered in and out, apart from other birds. "Unlike what's usually considered the norm, barely did anyone reach for their phones to click pictures. That's how engrossed bookworms tend to be," said Ananya M.

The organisers are quick to remind that this is not a book reading club where everybody reads the same book and discusses it. "We don't engage in discussions or book exchange. We read silently together for a few hours and might even break for dinner together which is optional. One can come whenever, leave whenever," the organiser said.

"It's just a corner that's quiet, comfy and rich in what nature has to offer. There's not much not, an occasional giggle, exchanging pleasantries, but that's about it," another reader added.

Padmaja Konisetti, who attended the first edition, said she learnt about the event on Instagram. "It was nice to see even children snuggle up and read a book. People were reading different kinds of book, some on Kindle and even a research paper, she said. Her’s was 'House Without Windows' by Nadia Hashimi.